The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#417

417. How Can I Thank Thee, Lord

1 How can I thank Thee, Lord,
For all Thy loving-kindness,
That Thou hast patiently
Borne with me in my blindness?
When dead in many sins
And trespasses I lay,
I kindled, holy God,
Thine anger ev'ry day.

2 It is Thy work alone
That I am now converted;
O'er Satan's work in me
Thou hast Thy pow'r asserted.
Thy mercy and Thy grace
That rise afresh each morn
Have turned my stony heart
Into a heart new-born.

3 I could but grieve Thee, Lord,
And with my sins displease Thee;
Yet to atone for sin
My works could not appease Thee.
Though I could fall from grace
And choose the way of sin,
I had not strength to rise,
A new life to begin.

4 Lord, Thou have raised me up
To joy and exultation
And clearly shown the way
That leads me to salvation.
My sins are washed away,
For this I thank Thee, Lord;
And with my heart and soul
All dead works are abhorred.

5 Grant that Thy Spirit's help
To me be always given
Lest I should fall again
And lose the way to heaven;
That he may give me strength
In my infirmity
And e'er renew my heart
To serve Thee willingly.

6 Oh, guide and lead me, Lord,
While here below I wander
That I may follow Thee
Till I shall see Thee yonder.
For if I led myself,
I soon would go astray;
But if Thou leadest me,
I keep the narrow way.

7 O Father, God of Love,
Hear Thou my supplication;
O Savior, Son of God,
Grant me Thy full salvation;
And Thou, O Holy Ghost,
Be Thou my faithful Guide
That I may serve Thee here
And there with Thee abide.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: How can I thank Thee, Lord
• Title: How Can I Thank Thee, Lord
• German Title: Was kann ich doch für Dank
• Translator: August Crull, d. 1923 (alt.)
• Author (attributed to): David Denicke (1846, ab.)
• Author (st.6): Johann Heermann (1630)
• Meter: 6.7.6.7.6.6.6.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Psalm 50:14
• Topic: Sanctification (The Christian Life): New Obedience

Tune Information

• Name: O GOTT, DU FROMMER GOTT
• Meter: 6.7.6.7.6.6.6.6.
• Key: F Major
• Source: "Neuvermehrtes Gesangbuch," Meiningen, 1693